When St. Patrick’s Day approaches, the streets resound with Celtic music, pubs are decked out with decorations, and people gather to celebrate the event in an atmosphere of joy and conviviality. At the heart of this emblematic Irish festival is a rich lexicon of traditional Irish words and expressions, adding an authentic and colorful touch to the celebration. Let’s discover some of the Gaelic words commonly used during St. Patrick’s Day!
This expression, pronounced “kay-ad mee-luh fawl-cheh”, means “a hundred thousand welcomes” in Irish Gaelic. It is often used to welcome guests or visitors during St. Patrick’s Day festivities, reflecting legendary Irish hospitality.
This Irish word is the equivalent of “santé” in French. It’s often used in toasts on St. Patrick’s Day to wish fellow guests health and happiness. Pronounced “slawn-tcheh”, it’s essential when raising a glass of beer or whisky to toast friends.
This expression means “Ireland forever” in Irish Gaelic. It expresses a strong attachment to the Irish homeland and culture. During St. Patrick’s Day, this phrase can often be heard spoken with pride during the festivities, symbolizing love for Ireland and its people.
Pronounced “crack”, this Irish word is used to describe the happy, festive atmosphere at social gatherings. It can be translated as “entertainment” or “good humor”. On St. Patrick’s Day, “craic” is usually the order of the day in lively pubs, with music blaring and conversation flowing.
This expression combines two essential elements of Irish culture: music (ceol) and entertainment (craic). It refers to the lively atmosphere of gatherings where traditional music is played and people entertain themselves by singing, dancing and sharing stories.
This word, though less used in a formal context, is often heard humorously during St. Patrick’s Day festivities. It literally means “kiss my bottom” in Irish Gaelic. It is often pronounced playfully to tease friends or to express joyful exuberance.
Pronounced “session”, this Irish word refers to a traditional Irish music session, often improvised and informal, where musicians gather to play together. During St. Patrick’s Day, pubs often host lively seisiúns where people can listen to live music and join in the fun.
The word means “Gaelic” in Irish. It’s often used to describe something typically Irish or related to Gaelic culture, such as music, dance or language. During St. Patrick’s Day, you can hear about Gaelic traditions that add an authentic dimension to the celebration.
This term refers to a style of traditional Irish singing, often characterized by its unaccompanied aspect and syncopated rhythm. During St. Patrick’s Day, sean-nós performances can be enjoyed in pubs and gathering places, adding a cultural dimension to the celebration.
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